FIVE playgrounds will stay closed throughout the school holidays after being attacked by vandals.

And thousands of pounds have been spent at 10 other play areas which have had equipment damaged after being targetted by yobs in a spate of attacks.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council is warning that more playgrounds could end up padlocked if the vandalism continues as it cannot afford repairs.

Opposition leader Coun Mike Lee branded those responsible for the damage “morons”.

But he said it should be a “top priority” to repair the playgrounds for the summer holidays.

Officers said they were growing increasingly concerned about the numerous vandalism and arson attacks on the borough’s play equipment over recent weeks.

Five playgrounds in Blackburn are currently locked up and officials are unsure how long some will be shut before funding can be found. None will reopen before the end of the summer holidays.

Pieces of equipment such as ‘springies’ can cost up to £25,000 each which the council said it was struggling to afford.

It is in the process of making £33 million of budget cuts.

The council has public liability insurance on the play equipment, but does not insure the items for damage.

Councillor Damian Talbot, executive member for leisure and culture, said: "Our parks and play areas are one of our most important assets and play a vital role in our communities. However, we need the community to help us stop our parks being vandalised.

"A lot of money has been spent in an effort to improve the play areas but the reality is that council budgets have been cut significantly.

“We will repair damage where we can but can't guarantee we have enough to repeatedly repair damage caused by vandals.

"I would therefore urge the public to report any damage to the police when they see vandalism taking place".

Coun Lee said: “It is a real shame that as the summer holidays begin there are such serious problems with our play areas.

“We managed to find £1.1million for pot holes and grass verges so I think we should find cash for play areas.

“I’m not defending the idiots who cause this damage, but if there is no-where for children to play they will just be on the street.”

The closed play areas include Burnley Road play area where ubber safety surfacing has been ripped up.

In Griffin Park, a unit containing a slide, walkway and climbing frame was also burnt to the ground.

A climbing frame ladder and ramp have gone missing from the Hollin Bridge Street play area, in Mill Hill while the Manxman play area, in Highercroft is closed because of vandalised equipment.

Bicknell Street play area, in Whalley Range, has also been closed because damage to the safety floor has made it hazardous.

There are a further 10 play areas, including The Wits at Witton County Primary School, which have all suffered from anti-social activities, leading to vandalism and a loss of equipment. These have been repaired.

Dad-of-two Anthony Simpson, Of Hamilton Street, Mill Hill, said: “It’s not fair.

"I’ve got a two-year-old and we’re having to go a fair distance just to play on a park.

“I appreciate they are shutting them for anti-social issues but there must be something they can do.

“I’ve seen kids still playing in the padlocked play area, that’s how desperate they are to play.”